Four best hatchbacks

Small and economical doesn’t have to mean boring – instead it could very well imply cool, fun and efficient

Small and economical doesn’t have to mean boring – instead it could very well imply cool, fun and efficient.

Honda Jazz X

Honda’s premium hatch is easily one of the most refined and good looking offerings on the market. The Jazz is extremely roomy and wellbuilt, offering a quality feel rarely seen in cars under 10 lakh. We only wish the Jazz was better to drive – it’s a bit heavy through the corners and the petrol engine is neither powerful nor efficient.

Volkswagen Polo 1.6

The Polo has taken the country by storm, and it’s easy to see why: It brings German engineering and build quality to the mass market at a competitive price. While the top-of-the-line diesel variant might be more popular, we recommend trying the more reasonably priced 1.6-litre petrol – it’s fast, zippy and surprisingly frugal.

Hyundai i20 ASTA 1.4 D

The i20’s 1.4-litre diesel engine is one of the most efficient powerplants we’ve come across. Coupled with a fantastic interior and exceptional build quality, it’s an easy choice for our pick of the month. It is, however, a bit on the pricey side.

Maruti Suzuki Swift ZDI

No matter which engine you choose, the new Swift is magnificent. We particularly like the diesel model, which balances performance and fuel efficiency perfectly. It sticks to the corners, so driving it is a pleasure, too. The biggest issue with the Swift is getting your hands on one – the waiting list is ridiculously long.